Spinning Spider Research Into a Notable Award

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has recognized Greta Binford, professor of biology, with the 2025 Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award. This prestigious award is designed to recognize “a senior faculty exemplar with an established, productive, and nationally recognized research program.” Binford received the award at the Murdock College Science Research Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on November 7.

Binford is one of the leading arachnologists in the United States. Her work centers on spider biodiversity and the evolution of venom—a field of study she pursues with both creativity and commitment.

“Anyone who has spent time around Greta knows her passion for spiders—and scientific inquiry more generally—is extraordinary,” says Bruce Suttmeier, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She combines deep scientific rigor with a genuine love of teaching. We are proud to see her recognized for her amazing work.”

Over the years, Binford’s contributions have earned her several noteworthy honors. In 2011, she was named CASE Oregon Professor of the Year for her exceptional teaching and research work. Meanwhile, her impact on the field of arachnology has been recognized by fellow scientists in a rare way: Four spider species now bear her name, most recently Loxosceles binfordae, a relative of the brown recluse discovered in Ecuador.

During her time at Lewis & Clark, Binford has built a dynamic, student-centered research program that combines fieldwork, molecular genetics, protein analyses, and behavioral studies. Her current research on brown recluse spiders and their relatives is shedding new light on how medically significant toxins evolved—work that may ultimately inform better treatments for spider bites.

Beyond the lab, Binford is committed to making science accessible to the public. Through community outreach, lab open houses, and education initiatives, she demystifies spiders—inviting people of all ages to appreciate their unique characteristics and ecological importance.

“Many people think spiders are gross or creepy or scary, but they’re fundamentally important,” says Binford. “The work my students and I do helps us better understand these animals and the many unseen ways they contribute to our world.”

Biology